I am in one of those, "let-me-use-up-all-the-stuff-I-have" phase. I've had these card bases for quite a while now. This sketch challenge screamed, "Use the crazy colorful and sparkly card bases!" So of course I did. While the base isn't Stampin' Up, it matched perfectly with Garden Green and Real Red.
It's a great sketch you can do tons with! Create something cool and then head over to 'Tis the Season and post your creation!

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Here is my card for this week's color challenge over on 'Tis the Season! Lisa didn't name these colors for us, which you'd think would be easier, but I had a hard time figuring out what that third, dark blue was. I know it looks black, but I swear it isn't. I settled on Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, and Tempting Turquoise.

I am sticking with my CAS cards, and I really like the way these stars pop out from the circle of color.

Again, making this card was a challenge for me because I am now recovering from surgery. I had back surgery last week. I was in way too much pain before the surgery to make cards, and now I am no longer in the major pain that was my life pre-surgery, but now I am worn out so easily! I have so missed my studio time and can't wait to get back in there. I have a few weeks recovery time before I return to work.

Why don't you see what you can come up with? Head on over to 'Tis the Season and play along!?!

For all you folks who are in or around my little area of Maryland (Clarksburg), I am hosting an open house, a way for you to get beautiful, unique gifts that people are sure to love, and you'll be helping your local small business, too! This is a win-win, people!

The open house will be on Sunday, November 30th at my home studio in Clarksburg from 2-7 pm. Come when its convenient for you.

(If you know me, you know my address... if you don't know me personally but follow my blog and will be in the area and want to shop, email me and I can hook you up with my address.)

I've got a huge inventory of gifts that are sure to please. I have pictured a few "new" products for the season: these adorable Santa and Elf gift card holders and a variety of seasonal wine tags (one variety shown here).

These are both perfect ways to present your gift.

In addition, I have a LARGE variety of card packs, framed art work, and more paper art!

There's also still enough time for me to customize a special order just for you!

If you like what you see on my blog, come over on Sunday the 30th and put a dent in your holiday shopping! I'd love to help make your holidays even more special!

If you are a cyber shopper and you see something you like, email me! I'd love to help you out!

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Okay people... things are getting real now. Christmas really isn't too far away. I am not concerned at all, and do you know why? I've been creating cards all year long for the awesome challenges over on 'Tis the Season. Why don't you play along?

This time, we have a great sketch challenge. I love it because you can do so, so much with this sketch and your small holiday stamps. Seriously... unlimited possibilities!

I finally inked up this stamp set. I used just the snowman,layered it on a Smoky Slate postage stamp, and a 1 3/8 square of pool party. Next I added a pool party ribbon strip and a gray multi-loop ribbon. I also added the sentiment, one part on the front and the second part inside.

I do love how this turned out. Super simple, which is my thing these days (mostly due to the fact that I am having MAJOR back issues and can't sit or stand for longer than a few minutes, so I've got to make them quickly if I'm going to get them done. I got a steroid shot directly into my herniated disk/pinched nerve today. If you pray, please pray this takes away my pain.)

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

This certainly stumped me in the beginning. First, the colors? So Saffron, Pink Pirouette, and Pool Party. Not your standard Christmas colors...

My second issue is that I can barely stand, can't sit at all, and am most comfortable laying flat on my back. When you've got all that going on, it's hard to be creative, and it certainly is difficult to complete project. I was able to complete this one with only 3 rest breaks.

So why don't you give it a try? See what you come up with. If you need a rest break, go ahead and take one. I won't tell!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

I love this 4 card class featuring the goose from the Wetlands stamp set. These are great for the men in your life (husband, brother, uncle, father... you get the idea). As always, you can alter the sentiments to suit your needs.

As you all know, I struggle to find the perfect day to offer the classes and realize that there isn't a time that works for everyone. This time, I'm offering it on Saturday, September 27th at 10 am.

It's $10.00 for the class and $15.00 to purchase the set.

Please RSVP by the 25th.

Also, if you are so inclined, shoot me an email to let me know the best days for you to attend classes. I can't always meet everyone's needs, but if I know what works for you, I can try to vary the schedule.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

I am going to be honest. I totally cased this card. But look how beautiful it is! Thank you to Pinterest and all the creative, talented people out there who share their ideas with us! Thanks for this card!

It's been pinned on my board FOREVER. But when I saw this picture, I knew exactly what I was going to do.
I love the messiness of this card, the spots, the sponging, the uneven banners, the random pearl placement.... I love it.

Why don't you head over to 'Tis the Season and play along with us?
Come on.... you know you want to play! See what you come up with. Let this photo inspire you!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Everyone always asks when they see my work how long it takes me to create a card. Card makers know that is an impossible question to answer. I've had one card take me hours to make (not something I generally take on by choice), and I've made a card that takes mere minutes. I had a friend time me on this one (which I, of course, totally CASED).

It took 20 minutes to make these two cards from start to finish, including finding materials, adding the bling, stamping the sentiment and the back. Not too shabby. TOTALLY cute...

Saturday, August 2, 2014

I loved the look of the curved sentiment panel. I used lightly marked with a pencil the curve of the white circle then used the circle punch itself to curve it perfectly. Then, I popped the circle itself up.